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Weight: 170g (unstrung)
Factory String: Megablast 17g
Strung Surface 106 sq in
Factory Grip: Hydrosorb
Balance: 268 mm
Frame Shape: Modified Teardrop
The 2023 Radical 170 has Head's most popular weight, it features Head's new Auxetic Technology. The 170 gram weight is a bit more mass with less weight in the head of the racquet to maximize swing speed and maneuverability. Competitive players will generate awesome power and precision with the Radical 170 Incredible power and maximum maneuverability is the backbone of the Radical Series.
HEAD did trials with players, the Auxetic construction increases players' confidence in their shots as you get an enhanced feel for the ball, including when it is off-center. "If it's slightly off-center it stretches some strings more than others, and you're getting a reaction where you need it, so you're getting more feeling and control. That's feeding back to the player who can feel the shot better, and that gives them more confidence in the execution of their shot.
It could be that, because of Auxetic materials, HEAD will end up making racquetball racquets completely differently in the future, including with new shapes. It could make it easier to have smart racquets with sensors in them, and there could be sustainability benefits. In years to come, we might find ourselves looking back and saying, 'That was the first tennis racquet with Auxetic composites, that was the racquet that changed the sport'. That would be massive.
- 16/16 Traditional String Pattern- Designed for players with faster swing speeds that need maximum power while increasing precision and string durability
- 12/16 Modified String Pattern- Designed for players with all swing speeds looking to maximize power. This modified fan pattern keeps the center ten mains the same as the 16/16 pattern but eliminates four of the outer main strings. This maintains the dense pattern in the sweet spot area while still lowering swing weight and increasing string deflection delivering incredible power and soft feel on every shot.
Please note... If you choose the 12/16 option and don't select a string upgrade ($22-$25) you will get the factory 16/16 option.
These are available in the 3 5/8 inch grip size only
If you're unsure about your model or weight...try our DEMO Program.
A racquet cover IS NOT provided by the manufacturer with this racquet. You have the option to add a cover for $8-$12 if you would like.
RacquetWorld General Notes
RacquetWorld recommends changing the grip to a Python (Our favorite), which will be $12.00 installed, for the added traction to prevent slippage. The Racquetworld Grommet Tape upgrade ($2) can save you $$ in the long run as sometimes strings break from the grommet being worn down. For those who don't know what the grommet is, it's the plastic piece at the top of the racquet that the strings go through.When you hit the wall and floor this gets worn down.
The Python Atlas Deluxe string upgrade is recommended because factory string is less playable/durable than the Python Atlas Deluxe string we suggest. At the time of purchase, the Python Atlas Deluxe restring upgrade is $29.95. It's normally $45 if you mailed the racquet to us later so you save $15 if you choose the upgrade right away. This string comes in Black or Natural and it’s a very soft string with incredible playability/durability. We recommend the 17g as it’s right in the middle of 16g (most durable) and 18g (most playable but less durable).
If you choose a vibration dampener go with the Python Vibration Dampner (Our favorite), Head Megasorb, Gamma Worm or the BBB (Big Bad Band).
The wristlacer black is the default wrist tether that comes on your racquet at no charge.If you want to change colors, a small fee of $3.95 will be added for switching.
A question we get everyday is "What is Grommet Tape?"It's a piece of tape that goes over the head (bumper) of your racquet. Sometimes you need a restring because of a broken bumper.For an extra 2 bucks to add this, it could save you $25-40!!
We get follow up calls/emails everyday thanking us for the upgrades as they really help bring out the performance of the racquet.
Racquet Covers - Choose one for $8-$12 (RacquetWorld Cover is Only $8.00)
A full racquet cover is NOT provided by the manufacturer with this racquet. You have the option of adding a full cover for $8-12 if you would like. If you want the best cover on the market buy the Racquetworld Cover. It is oversized, has a full outside pocket, a handle strap and a large shoulder strap as well as a ventilated pocket to let your grip breathe and best of all its $2-$4 less than the others because we want to help you by supporting our company! The charge will only be $8.00 when added to the cart for this choice instead of $10.00-$12.00 like the other covers.
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Love it
Erin Patrick Wolf
10/22/2023
Verified Buyer
My second time ordering this racquet from racquetworld. My favourite racquet needed a backup for tournaments. Great price and fast delivery
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Exclusive RacquetWorld Racquet Ratings
Ratings and comparisons for all racquets can be found in RacquetWolrd Exclusive Racquet Ratings
Racquetworld's Durability Rating:
Racquetworld's Power Rating: Age 24- Age 35 Age 45+
Racquetworld's Control Rating #1 (Front Court):
Control 1 (Front Court) represents how the racquet handles upfront in the court. We are basically looking at how certain components stacked together to produce good (or bad) racquet maneuverability. To figure this out we look at the weight, balance point, and shape of the frame. We throw all this info into Pat's brain along with a couple hours of hit testing and out pops the rating. This value is useful especially for doubles players who find themselves covering the upfront court a lot. It is also good to know if you are a good server and find yourself quickly putting away returns off your serve without leaving front middle court.
Racquetworld's Control Rating #2 (Back Court):
Control 2 (Back Court) represents the traditional control rating when taking a full shot from mid to back court. Our goal with control is to redirect the Force of the ball. We again focus on weight, balance point, shape, string pattern and tension, frame stiffness and on court experience.
Racquetworld's Overall Rating: Age 24- Age 35 Age 45+
Technology - Manufacturers Features:
RacquetWorld Head Racquetball Racquet Technology Section - Head Technology Section
- Auxetic
- IGS2
- AFP - Adaptive Fan Pattern
- Power Channels
Auxetic Technology - New for 2023
HEAD did trials with players, the Auxetic construction increases players' confidence in their shots as you get an enhanced feel for the ball, including when it is off-center. "If it's slightly off-center it stretches some strings more than others, and you're getting a reaction where you need it, so you're getting more feeling and control. That's feeding back to the player who can feel the shot better, and that gives them more confidence in the execution of their shot.
It could be that, because of Auxetic materials, HEAD will end up making racquetball racquets completely differently in the future, including with new shapes. It could make it easier to have smart racquets with sensors in them, and there could be sustainability benefits. In years to come, we might find ourselves looking back and saying, 'That was the first tennis racquet with Auxetic composites, that was the racquet that changed the sport'. That would be massive.
Adaptive Fan Pattern (AFP) - New for 2016 - 2017
Head's new technology allows you to customize your string pattern to match your game. Specially designed bumper guard allows you to choose your string pattern every time you string. (No special inserts required)
16 / 16 String PatternUltimate in Power, Precision and Durability
12 / 16 String PatternUltimate in Power and Softer Feel
CHANGE YOUR GAME. ANYTIME.
Inner Grommet System 2
The next generation of Head's revolutionary Inner Grommet System Technology, IGS2, eliminates exterior grommet holes delivering optimal stiffness, but with less weight. Each tube is now lined with Teflon friction reducing polymer allowing the strings to slide through the IGS tubes with nearly no friction. This results in maximum energy transfer which increases power on every shot.
Power Channels
Head takes Power Channels to the next level! This power technology is created through molded tubes in the throat, eliminating exterior string holes and the traditional grommet system. This lengthens each main string and creates maximum stiffness which results in an incredible increase in raw power. The Power Channels are now equiped with Teflon friction reducing polymer allowing the strings to slide through the Power Channels with nearly no friction resulting in maximum energy transfer which increases power on every shot
